WWE’s landscape is often as dramatic and unpredictable as the matches it hosts, with superstars like Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns at the center of its storied narrative. Recently, the spotlight has intensely focused on Cody Rhodes, now celebrated as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion after a pivotal victory at WrestleMania XL. This win, however, was steeped in a history of plans deferred and strategic shifts that shaped his path to glory.
Last year, Rhodes faced Roman Reigns at WrestleMania in a bout that initially was slated to mark his triumphant return from injury and capture of the title. Inside sources revealed that the original script had Rhodes winning, but decision-makers including Vince McMahon and Triple H chose to delay his victory.
“The original plan at last year’s WrestleMania was for Cody Rhodes to defeat Roman Reigns. Both Vince McMahon and Paul Levesque were on board with the return from pec surgery and the title win,” reported Wrestling Observer Newsletter. This decision was strategic, aimed at enhancing storylines and character development for other wrestlers such as Jey Uso.
The WrestleMania XL Spectacle
This year’s WrestleMania was not just a match but an epic storytelling canvas featuring cameos from legends like The Rock, John Cena, and The Undertaker. These appearances were not merely for show but played integral roles in the narrative, with Seth Rollins and others siding with Rhodes, helping to secure his victory, while The Rock and members of The Bloodline supported Reigns.
Cody Rhodes, reflecting on this defining moment, shared in an interview on TODAY how the plans shifted from a potential Rock vs. Reigns match to what transpired. “Oh! It feels just so sweet and it’s validating because this main event of yesterday’s WrestleMania 40 was totally willed into existence by the fans… They made it clear they wanted something else and we got to the finish line. Extremely validating,” Rhodes expressed, highlighting the fan-driven nature of WWE’s storytelling dynamics.
Looking Ahead: The Road After WrestleMania
With WrestleMania XL behind him, Rhodes’ reign as champion is just beginning. Attention now turns to his potential challengers, with a match set between AJ Styles and LA Knight on SmackDown to determine the number one contender. This match not only sets the stage for Rhodes’ next challenge but also continues to build the narrative tension that defines WWE’s appeal.
Conclusion: A New Era for Cody Rhodes and WWE
Cody Rhodes’ journey from an anticipated victory delayed by strategic storytelling to a triumphant win supported by WWE legends encapsulates the essence of what makes professional wrestling a unique blend of sport and theater.
The Undisputed WWE Champion @CodyRhodes has a message for the No.1 Contender, @AJStylesOrg… 😤
NEXT WEEK: #WWEBacklash Contract Signing! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/696QbhMobi
— WWE (@WWE) April 20, 2024
As Rhodes now stands at the pinnacle of WWE, his future not only holds promise for his own legacy but also for the evolving storylines that will captivate wrestling fans around the world. The path forward is bright for Rhodes, as he not only holds the championship but also the adulation of fans and the respect of his peers in the wrestling world.
